U.S. patent application number 14/221987 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-25 for multi-axis clip hinge.
This patent application is currently assigned to REELL PRECISION MANUFACTURING CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is REELL PRECISION MANUFACTURING CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Allan Triebold, David Wahlstedt.
Application Number | 20140283337 14/221987 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50513519 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140283337 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Triebold; Allan ; et
al. |
September 25, 2014 |
MULTI-AXIS CLIP HINGE
Abstract
One aspect is a multi-axis clip hinge with a rotatable member
having a spherical portion with a greatest outer diameter and a
coupling portion for articulating said member. A clip is provided
having an arm defining an inside diameter and comprising a
connecting portion. The inside diameter of the arm is less than the
greatest outer diameter of the spherical portion of the rotatable
member and is engaged therewith such that it interferes with and
grips the outside diameter of the spherical portion. A housing is
configured to engage the connection portion of the clip thereby
securing the clip to the housing. At least one of the clip and the
housing prevents relative translational movement of the clip
relative to the spherical portion yet allows the spherical portion
to rotate in three axes of rotation relative to the clip.
Inventors: |
Triebold; Allan; (Cottage
Grove, MN) ; Wahlstedt; David; (Excelsior,
MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
REELL PRECISION MANUFACTURING CORPORATION |
St. Paul |
MN |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
REELL PRECISION MANUFACTURING
CORPORATION
St. Paul
MN
|
Family ID: |
50513519 |
Appl. No.: |
14/221987 |
Filed: |
March 21, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61804035 |
Mar 21, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
16/224 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E05D 7/00 20130101; E05D
7/06 20130101; Y10T 16/524 20150115; F16C 11/069 20130101; F16C
11/0623 20130101; F16C 2226/74 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
16/224 |
International
Class: |
E05D 7/00 20060101
E05D007/00 |
Claims
1. A multi-axis clip hinge comprising: a rotatable member
comprising a spherical portion with a greatest outer diameter and a
coupling portion for articulating said member; a clip comprising at
least one arm defining an inside diameter and comprising a
connecting portion; wherein the inside diameter of the at least one
arm in a relaxed state is less than the greatest outer diameter of
the spherical portion of the rotatable member and wherein the at
least one arm is forced over and substantially contains the
spherical portion and is engaged therewith such that the at least
one arm interferes with and grips the outside diameter of the
spherical portion; and a housing configured to engage the
connection portion of the clip thereby securing the clip to the
housing, at least one of the clip and the housing preventing
relative translational movement of the clip relative to the
spherical portion and allowing the spherical portion to rotate in
three axes of rotation relative to the clip.
2. The multi-axis clip hinge of claim 1, wherein the clip has a
width in an axial direction and the greatest outer diameter of the
spherical portion is prevented from movement in the axial direction
relative to the clip width by at least one of the clip and the
housing.
3. The multi-axis clip hinge of claim 1, wherein a surface along
the inside diameter of the clip comprises at least one zone of
constant force.
4. The multi-axis clip hinge of claim 1, wherein a surface along
the inside diameter of the clip comprises one or more variable
pressure zones.
5. The multi-axis clip hinge of claim 1 further comprising a
plurality of clips each comprising at least one arm defining an
inside diameter and comprising a connecting portion, the plurality
of clips engaged and interfering with the outside diameter of the
spherical portion thereby preventing relative translational
movement of the plurality of clips relative and the spherical
portion and allowing the spherical portion to rotate in three axes
of rotation relative to the plurality of clips.
6. The multi-axis clip hinge of claim 5, wherein the plurality of
clips are positioned in different angular orientations relative to
each other.
7. The multi-axis clip hinge of claim 5, wherein the plurality of
clips is die stamped such that each have a cut portion and a ripped
portion and wherein the ripped portions of the clips are oriented
relative to each other to affect the torque of multi-axis clip
hinge.
8. The multi-axis clip hinge of claim 1, wherein the housing
further comprises features configured to prevent relative
translational movement of the clip relative and the spherical
portion, the features further configured to allow the spherical
portion to rotate in three axes of rotation relative to the
clip.
9. The multi-axis clip hinge of claim 8, wherein the features
comprise one or more bearing supports.
10. A multi-axis clip hinge comprising: a first member with a
spherical structure and connecting structure for articulating said
member, the spherical structure having an outer diameter; a second
member comprising at least one clip comprising at least one arm
engaging the spherical structure and an inside diameter configured
less than that of the outer diameter of the spherical structure
such that it interferes with and grips the outside diameter of the
spherical structure, and the at least one clip comprising a
connecting portion configured to secure the second member to a
third member, preventing translational movement of the clip
relative to the spherical structure, while allowing three degrees
of rotation of the spherical structure relative to the clip; the
third member comprising a housing having a first means of fixedly
securing the clip relative to the housing and a second means of
securing positioning of the center of the spherical structure
relative to the housing, while allowing the spherical structure
three degrees of rotation relative to the housing.
11. The multi-axis clip hinge of claim 10 comprising a plurality of
clips.
12. The multi-axis clip hinge of claim 10 comprising a plurality of
clips configured to give equivalent torque when placed along
different locations along the circumference of the spherical
structure.
13. The multi-axis clip hinge of claim 11, wherein the plurality of
clips comprise different relative shapes of constant pressure
zones.
14. The multi-axis clip hinge of claim 11, wherein the plurality of
clips comprise different numbers of constant pressure zones.
15. The multi-axis clip hinge of claim 11, wherein the plurality of
clips comprise at least one clip comprising variable pressure
zones.
16. The multi-axis clip hinge of claim 11, wherein the plurality of
clips are positioned in different angular orientations relative to
each other.
17. A multi-axis clip hinge comprising: a pivotable ball with an
input rod and a ball, the ball having a greatest outer diameter; a
clip defining an inside diameter and comprising a connecting
portion; wherein the clip is positioned over the ball and wherein
the inside diameter of the clip in a relaxed state is less than the
greatest outer diameter of the ball such that clip interferes with
and grips the outside diameter of the ball; and a housing
configured to engage the connection portion of the clip thereby
securing the clip to the housing, at least one of the clip and the
housing preventing relative translational movement of the clip
relative to the ball as the ball is rotated relative to the clip
with movement of the input rod.
18. The multi-axis clip hinge of claim 17 further comprising a
plurality of clips each comprising an inside diameter and
comprising a connecting portion, the plurality of clips engaged and
interfering with the outside diameter of the ball thereby
preventing relative translational movement of the plurality of
clips relative to the ball as the ball is rotated in three axes of
rotation relative to the plurality of clips.
19. The multi-axis clip hinge of claim 17, wherein the housing
further comprises features configured to prevent relative
translational movement of the clip relative and the ball, the
features further configured to allow the ball to rotate in three
axes of rotation relative to the clip.
20. The multi-axis clip hinge of claim 17, wherein the an input rod
is configured along an axis and such that it can be rotated about
its axis and moved up and down and back and forth relative to its
axis, all such movement causing rotation of the ball within the
clip without relative translational movement thereto.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This Non-Provisional Patent Application claims the benefit
of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
61/804,035, filed Mar. 21, 2013, entitled "MULTI-AXIS CLIP HINGE,"
which is herein incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] So called "ball-and socket" type hinges, typically include a
pivotable ball that allows adjustments for three-axis rotation in a
single device. Most such devices, however, rely on flexible tabs or
similar means of applying pressure that typically fail to give
consistent positioning torque. Some such devices fail to give
positioning torque sufficient to withstand gravitational and
environmental forces, resulting in poor positioning and many give
varying positioning torque for different axes of rotation. Some
also include high "break-away" torque for initial movement and many
require complex and costly additional hardware to increase force
between the ball-and-socket. For these and other reasons, there is
a need for the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further
understanding of embodiments and are incorporated in and constitute
a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments
and together with the description serve to explain principles of
embodiments. Other embodiments and many of the intended advantages
of embodiments will be readily appreciated as they become better
understood by reference to the following detailed description. The
elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to
each other. Like reference numerals designate corresponding similar
parts.
[0004] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multi-axis hinge in
accordance with the prior art.
[0005] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a multi-axis clip hinge in
accordance with one embodiment.
[0006] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of a multi-axis
clip hinge in accordance with one embodiment.
[0007] FIG. 4a is a cross-sectional view of a multi-axis clip hinge
in accordance with one embodiment.
[0008] FIG. 4b is an exploded cross-sectional view of a multi-axis
clip hinge in accordance with one embodiment.
[0009] FIG. 4c is cross-sectional view of a portion of a multi-axis
clip hinge in accordance with one embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 5a is an exploded perspective view of a multi-axis clip
hinge in accordance with one embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 5b is a perspective view of a portion of a multi-axis
clip hinge in accordance with one embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 5c is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a
multi-axis clip hinge illustrating sectional line c-c in accordance
with one embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 5d is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the
multi-axis clip hinge in FIG. 5c viewed from sectional line
c-c.
[0014] FIG. 5e is an enlarged view of the portion of the multi-axis
clip hinge labeled E in FIG. 5d.
[0015] FIGS. 6a-6d are perspective views of a clip from a
multi-axis clip hinge illustrating forces in accordance with one
embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 7 is graph illustrating maximum torque varying as half
angle changes for x-, y-, and z-axis rotation in accordance with
one embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 8 is perspective view of a clip from a multi-axis clip
hinge illustrating forces in accordance with one embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 9 is perspective view of a clip from a multi-axis clip
hinge illustrating forces in accordance with one embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 10a is a side view of a multi-axis clip hinge with a
ghosted housing in accordance with one embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 10b is a perspective view of a multi-axis clip hinge in
accordance with one embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 10c is an end view of a multi-axis clip hinge in
accordance with one embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] In the following Detailed Description, reference is made to
the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which
is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the
invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional
terminology, such as "top," "bottom," "front," "back," "leading,"
"trailing," etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the
Figure(s) being described. Because components of embodiments can be
positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional
terminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no way
limiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be
utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without
departing from the scope of the present invention. The following
detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting
sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the
appended claims.
[0023] It is to be understood that the features of the various
exemplary embodiments described herein may be combined with each
other, unless specifically noted otherwise.
[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates multi-axis hinge 10 in accordance with
the prior art. Multi-axis hinge 10 is essentially a "ball-and
socket" type hinge, including pivotable ball 12 and socket housing
14. Pivotable ball 12 includes ball 12a and input rod 12b. Housing
14 includes a plurality of flexible tabs 16 within a socket 18
formed in one of its surfaces. Pivotable ball 12 fits into socket
18 by a simple snap-fit provided by flexible tabs 16 molded into
the socket 18. The diameter of ball 12a is slightly larger than the
receiving diameter of socket 18 such that flexible tabs 16 are
pushed outward thereby asserting an inward force on ball 12a.
[0025] Such a configuration is typically used in such applications
as positioning of rear view mirrors in automobiles. Also, with the
proliferation of personal electronic devices, such devices are also
used to provide mounting and positioning for these personal
devices. Such ball-and-socket type hinges for these mounting and
adjustments allow for three-axis rotation in a single device.
Specifically, as oriented in the view of FIG. 1, input rod 12b can
be 1) rotated about its axis, as illustrated by arrow a, 2) moved
up and down, as illustrated by arrows b, and 3) moved side to side,
as illustrated by arrows c, as well as moved to the various
locations between those arrows. Allowing all three of these axes of
rotation is useful in many applications.
[0026] Devices such as multi-axis hinge 10 allow three-axis
rotation by virtue of the complementary geometries of the ball and
socket, which also serve to position one element against the other
to provide consistency of motion. In order to provide this
positioning over many thousands of cycle, the ball-and-socket
elements need to be loaded against each other to provide a
resisting shearing force upon relative motion between the two, and
to provide subsequent positioning of one element against disturbing
forces such as gravity and vibration. Also, the material of the
ball and socket must be chosen to provide long life and low wear
over many thousands of cycles of relative motion.
[0027] Multi-axis hinge 10 develops loading between ball 12 and
socket 18 by integrally molded flexible tabs 16 in socket 18 which
provide a snap fit. However, the deflection of these flexible tabs
16 often provides too little resulting holding force for an
application. Subsequently, flexible tabs 16 often need to be
supplemented with a metallic stiffening member to provide greater
force for the same deflection. In some instances, the socket
assembly needs to be further compressed against the ball by use of
an external spring. Such added features complicate the design and
are not always effective over many rotations.
[0028] Furthermore, such devices often fail to give consistent
positioning torque. They also often fail to give positioning torque
sufficiently to withstand gravitational and environmental forces,
resulting in poor positioning and unwanted movement when the device
is jarred or subjected to unexpected outside forces. Such devices
will also typically provide varying positioning torque for
different axes of rotation. For some, high "break-away" torque is
required to initiate movement and some may require additional
hardware to increase force between the ball-and-socket.
[0029] Accordingly, FIG. 2 illustrates multi-axis clip hinge 20 in
accordance with one embodiment, which is configured to provide
consistent reliable torque performance over many thousands of
cycles. Multi-axis clip hinge 20 includes pivotable ball 22 and
housing 24. Pivotable ball 22 includes ball 22a and input rod 22b.
Rather than using a ball-and socket connection, however, housing 24
includes a clip 26 (illustrated in FIG. 3, for example) within
housing 24 to provide three axes of rotation, such that input rod
22b can be 1) rotated about its axis, as illustrated by arrow a, 2)
moved up and down, as illustrated by arrows b, and 3) moved side to
side, as illustrated by arrows c, as well as moved to the various
locations between those arrows.
[0030] Allowing all three of these axes of rotation is useful in
many applications. Furthermore, multi-axis clip hinge 20 is
configured to give consistent positioning torque, including high
enough positioning torque to withstand gravitational and outside
environmental forces. In one embodiment, multi-axis clip hinge 20
is also configured to provide consistent positioning torque for
different axes of rotation while requiring minimal break-away
torque for initial movement.
[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of a multi-axis clip hinge 20
in accordance with one embodiment. Housing 24 (and some additional
elements that will be discussed below) are removed so that clip 26
is visible positioned about the greatest diameter of ball 22a,
thereby resulting in the greatest interference between ball 22a and
clip 26, and accordingly, the greatest positioning torque. It is
this interference between the two that provides this positioning
torque.
[0032] In one embodiment, clip 26 is a relatively thin metal clip
having spaced apart arms 26b that form an inside diameter that is
slightly smaller, when clip 26 is in a relaxed state, than the
greatest outer diameter of ball 22a. Clip arms 26b are configured
to substantially contain ball 22a when clip 26 is positioned over
ball 22a. As such, once clip 26 is positioned over ball 22a, clip
26 and arms 26a provide and inward force down upon ball 22a as a
result of its inside diameter being forced slightly open by the
larger ball 22a diameter. This results in favorable positioning
torque as ball 22a is rotated in any of the three axes of rotation
(a/b/c) described above. Clip 26 is further provided with feet 26b
(one foot partially obscured in FIG. 3, but illustrated, for
example, more fully in FIG. 6a), which are configured to be engaged
by housing 24 such that clip 26 cannot be rotated relative to
housing 24 with rotation of pivotable ball 22.
[0033] Unlike snap-fit type features, which have large
manufacturing tolerances and subsequent large torque variations,
ball 22a and clip 26 are manufactured to small tolerances at low
cost, with resulting high precision torque. In addition, ball 22a
and clip 26 can be made from a variety of engineering materials to
satisfy reliability and torque consistency requirements. For
example, both ball 22a and clip 26 can be made from hardened steel
and lubricated with grease in applications requiring very high
torque in a small volume. In one embodiment, clip 26 may be stamped
from sheet metal.
[0034] In order to ensure there is consistent torque as input rod
22b is moved in all three axes (about its axis (arrow a); moved up
and down (arrows b); and moved side to side (arrows c)), ball 22a
needs to remain centered within clip 26. Accordingly, housing 24 is
provided with features to secure ball 22a within clip 26. FIGS.
4a-4c illustrate additional details of multi-axis clip hinge 20.
Multi-axis clip hinge 20 includes pivotable ball 22, housing 24 and
clip 26 as discussed. Furthermore, housing 24 includes face plate
24a, housing body 24b, and clip restraint 24c. Furthermore provided
are first bearing support 28 and second bearing support 30. As
assembled, multi-axis clip hinge 20 retains ball 22a centered
within clip 26 thereby allowing consistent torque as input rod 22b
is moved in all three axes.
[0035] In operation, first and second bearing support 28 and 30
secure ball 22a within housing allowing its rotation in the three
axes of rotation, but preventing translational movement, that is,
restricting movement along the x-axis illustrated in FIG. 3 along
input rod 22b (and restricting left and right movement as depicted
in FIGS. 4a-4c). Securing ball 22a translationally relative to clip
26 in this way ensures that the central or greatest diameter
D.sub.22 of ball 22a remains engaged with clip 26 throughout
various rotations in the three axes of rotation in order for
multi-axis clip hinge 20 to provide consistent torque. If the
greatest diameter D.sub.22 of ball 22a is allowed to move along the
x-axis (FIG. 3) with respect to clip 26, the interference between
them will be lowered and positioning torque will be affected. In
one embodiment, unlike a traditional ball-and-socket joint, the
geometries of clip 26 and ball 22a do not by themselves prevent
translational motion or provide secure positioning between the
centers of clip 26 and ball 22a.
[0036] In addition, face plate 24a, housing body 24b, and clip
restraint 24c cooperate to hold clip 26 securely within housing 24,
yet still allow arms 26b (FIG. 3) to flex as needed to accommodate
rotation of the larger diameter ball 22a. As best illustrated in
FIG. 4c, clip restraint 24c is spaced slightly away from face plate
24a, by substantially the width of clip 26, thereby providing a
slot into which clip 26 fits. In this way, clip arms 26b are free
to flex in the radial direction outward from interference from ball
22a. However, when assembled face plate 24a prevents the bending of
arms 26b outward (relative to housing 24) and clip restraint 24c
prevents bending of arms 26b inward (relative to housing 24) with
applied forces to input rod 22b. Housing body 24b is also
configured with a feature complementary to clip foot 26a, such that
clip 26 cannot rotate relative to housing 24 with applied forces to
input rod 22b once feet 26a are seated in the feature of housing
body 24b.
[0037] In operation, multi-axis clip hinge 20 retains clip 26
securely within housing 24 such that ball 22a is securely retained
centered within housing 24 and its greatest outer diameter retained
centered within clip 26. Multi-axis clip hinge 20 provides
consistent positioning torque over all three axes of rotation, for
thousands of rotations, without complicated designs, and without
requiring an abundance of parts.
[0038] FIG. 5a illustrates multi-axis clip hinge 50 in accordance
with one embodiment. Multi-axis clip hinge 50 is configured to
provide consistent reliable torque performance in all three axes of
rotation, as described above with respect to multi-axis clip hinge
20. Multi-axis clip hinge 50 includes pivotable ball 52 and first
and second housing halves 58 and 60. Pivotable ball 52 includes
ball 52a and input rod 52b. When assembled, first and second
housing halves 58 and 60 are mated together and secured with first
and second fasteners 64 and 66 such that halves 58 and 60 secure
and contain first and second clips 54 and 56 and secure and
substantially contain pivotable ball 52.
[0039] Multi-axis clip hinge 50 is configured similarly to
multi-axis clip hinge 20 above, but further includes two clips,
rather than a single clip. In one embodiment, each of clips 54 and
56 are respectively seated within a slot formed within first and
second housing halves 58 and 60. Slot 62 in first housing half 58
is illustrated in FIG. 5a holding first clip 54. As illustrated,
slot 62 conforms to first clip 54 such that it provides a
complementary shape for clip feet 54a. In this way, there can be no
relative movement of first housing half 58 and first clip 54. As
further illustrated, slot 62 accommodates clips arms 54b without
interference so that clip arms 54b may flex radially as they are
engaged in interference with ball 52a. Second housing 60 has a
mirror image slot configured to receive second clip 56 in the same
way.
[0040] As such, when multi-axis clip hinge 50 is assembled, first
and second housing halves 58 and 60 secure first and second clips
54 and 56 such that forces applied to input rod 52b will not move
clips 54 and 56 relative to ball 52a. Furthermore, when multi-axis
clip hinge 50 is assembled and first and second housing halves 58
and 60 are brought together, ball 52a is firmly held by
interference contact with arms 54b and 56b of clips 54 and 56. This
allows rotation of input rod 52b in the three axes of rotation, but
preventing translational movement of ball 52a relative to clips 54
and 56.
[0041] FIG. 5b illustrates a portion of multi-axis clip hinge 50
with first and second housing halves 58 and 60 removed, such that
first and second clips 54 and 56 are provided over ball 52a. In one
embodiment, first and second clips 54 and 56 are centered over the
center or greatest diameter D.sub.52 of ball 52a, such that the
center of ball 52a falls between first and second clips 54 and 56.
Each of first and second clips 54 and 56 form an inside diameter
when in a relaxed state that is slightly smaller than the greatest
outside diameter D.sub.52 of ball 52a. As such, there is an
interference fit between each of first and second clips 54 and 56
and ball 52a when the clips are forced over the ball, and first and
second clips 54 and 56 essentially capture the greatest outside
diameter D.sub.52 of ball 52a between them.
[0042] FIG. 5c is a cross-sectional view of a portion of multi-axis
clip hinge 50 with first and second housing halves 58 and 60
removed. Also, FIG. 5c illustrates sectional line c-c extending
through ball 52a and portions of first and second clips 54 and 56.
FIG. 5d is a cross-sectional view of that portion of multi-axis
clip hinge 50 as viewed from line c-c of FIG. 5c. Portions of first
and second clips 54 and 56 are illustrated over ball 52a, and an
enlarged section E is designated.
[0043] FIG. 5e illustrates an enlarged view of the section E of
first and second clips 54 and 56 over ball 52a illustrated from
FIG. 5d. As indicated, each of first and second clips 54 and 56
respectively have a clip width W.sub.54 and W.sub.56 in the x-axis
direction. The centerline C of ball 52a is also illustrated and
falls between first and second clips 54 and 56. Once first and
second housing halves 58 and 60 are secured over first and second
clips 54 and 56 and ball 52a, with first and second clips 54 and 56
seated in the slots provided in the halves, rotational movement of
ball 52a in the three axes is allowed within first and second clips
54 and 56, but no translational movement is allowed between ball
52a and first and second clips 54 and 56. Stated another way, the
force fit between first and second housing halves 58 and 60 and
first and second clips 54 and 56 over ball 52a prevents ball 52a
from moving relative to the width W.sub.54 and W.sub.56 of clips 54
and 56 in the x-axis.
[0044] FIG. 5e also illustrates first and second surface portions
70 and 72 of clips 54 and 56. In one embodiment, first and second
clips 54 and 56 are stamped from a sheet of metal, for example,
using a die. As the die first penetrates the metal, the surface of
the cut portion tends to be fairly smooth and fairly faithful to
the dimensions of the die tool. As the die penetrates deeper into
the metal however, the die tends to tear the metal leaving a less
straight portion of the surface. First surface portion 70
illustrates where die-stamped first and second clips 54 and 56 were
first penetrated with the die and are relatively straight. Second
surface portions 72 illustrate where die-stamped first and second
clips 54 and 56 were torn with the die and are less straight and
more angled.
[0045] In one embodiment, first and second clips 54 and 56 are
oriented relative to each other and to ball 52a such that second
surface portions 72, or the torn portions, are next to each other.
In one example, this provides a smoother overall torque profile for
multi-axis clip hinge 50. In one embodiment, first and second clips
54 and 56 are oriented relative to each other and to ball 52a such
that first surface portions 70, or the cut portions, are next to
each other. In one example, this provides a higher density torque
profile for multi-axis clip hinge 50.
[0046] FIG. 6a illustrates clip 80, such as could be used in either
multi-axis clip hinge 20 or 50 described above. Clip 80 includes
clip arms 80b and clip feet 80a. Clip arms 80b substantially define
a clip inside diameter D.sub.80. Illustrated on clip 80 are two
zones of constant force CF on either side of clip 80. In one
embodiment, when clip 80 is engaged with ball 22a or 52a as
described in the above embodiments, constant force CF zones are
created by the interference between the greatest outside diameter
D.sub.22 or D.sub.52 of ball 22a or 52a and the inside diameter
D.sub.80 of clip 80. Constant force is also illustrated by the
equal magnitude force arrows directed along radial lines extending
outward from the inside diameter of clip 80, where ball 22a or 52a
applies the force by virtue of its outside diameter being larger
than the inside diameter of clip 80.
[0047] Also illustrated in the figure is the angle .theta. between
the y-axis and the first point of interference between arm 80b and
a ball (such as ball 22a or 52a). Where clip 80 is symmetrical as
illustrated, the points of interference on either side will be
2.theta..
[0048] Although the two zones of constant force CF provide
consistent torque for multi-axis clip hinges 20 and 50 over any
given axis of rotation, there can be variation of torque among the
three axes of rotation in some embodiments. FIG. 6b illustrates
forces for a ball (such as ball 22a or 52a) along the inside
diameter of clip 80 rotating about the z-axis (only one zone of
constant force CF is labeled for simplicity on the figure). As
illustrated, the rotation of the ball results in a frictional force
FF at right angles with each element of pressure or normal force NF
in the direction of rotation, each also at a constant radius R of
half the clip inside diameter D.sub.80. Thus each element of
pressure results in an equivalent element of torque. (For ease of
illustration, only a single quadrant is shown in this and in the
following comparative figures).
[0049] However, rotating the ball about the y-axis gives a
different result, as illustrated in FIG. 6c. Here each element of
pressure along a radial line NF results in a frictional force FF
along the z-axis. However, these frictional forces act along
varying radii from the axis of rotation y (dotted lines)--from R to
R Cos .theta.--to create a different total torque than illustrated
in FIG. 6b.
[0050] Similarly, rotation about the x-axis as illustrated in FIG.
6d will yield yet a different result. Here the frictional force FF
in the quadrant illustrated is again directed along the z-axis, but
along varying radii from the x-rotational axis (dotted lines),
again resulting in a unique torque for this rotational direction.
(The radius in this case varies from 0 to R Sin .theta..)
[0051] By varying the angle .theta., which governs the extent of
the constant pressure zones, different torques may be configured in
each axis of rotation (albeit these are not independent). FIG. 7
shows a graph of how varying theoretically influences the torque in
each axis of rotation, the toque is illustrated for the z-axis
rotation, y-axis rotation and x-axis rotation. The results are
shown as a percentage of maximum torque rotating about the
z-axis.
[0052] As shown in FIG. 7, for small angles of .theta., y-axis and
x-axis torque are nearly equal, but both less than z-axis torque.
As .theta. increases, z-axis and y-axis torque are more nearly
equal, and both are greater than x-axis torque. FIG. 6a shows a
clip design for .theta.=26 degrees, and is referenced in FIG.
7.
[0053] As such, by designing clip 80 with appropriate constant
force CF zones, desired torque characteristics for a given
application of multi-axis clip hinges 20 and 50 can be achieved.
Such clips can be configured by forming or stamping clips to the
desired configurations, or relieving certain areas along the inside
diameter of the clip. For example, to ensure constant force CF
zones in FIG. 6a, clip 80 may be relieved in area 80c, between the
two constant force CF zones to minimize any interference in that
area between the clip and the ball. This can be accomplished by
slightly grinding a very thin layer of material of the inside
diameter of clip 80 at area 80c. In this way, there will be very
little interference between clip 80 and the ball in area 80c, and
instead interference with the ball will be focused in the two
constant force CF zones.
[0054] Other configurations are also possible for clips such that
different zones of force are created. Such alternative
configurations can achieve different torques in the three
rotational axes. Although two constant pressure zones are
illustrated in the previous examples, the clip may be configured
with greater or fewer zones of pressure. For example, FIG. 8
illustrates shows clip 80 configured with three zones of constant
force CF. This configuration of clip 80 results in a different
torque profile than given in FIG. 7 for the two zone pressure
clip.
[0055] A clip 80 with three constant force CF zones such as in FIG.
8 can be configured by forming or stamping clips to the desired
configurations, or relieving certain areas along the inside
diameter of the clip. For example, clip 80 may be relieved in areas
80c, each between the two constant force CF zones, in order to
minimize any interference in that area between the clip and the
ball. More or less zones of constant force CF can be created.
[0056] In addition to constant force zones, clips can be designed
with non-constant pressure zones, such as illustrated in FIG. 9. In
this configuration, clip 80 is configured to have maximum
interference between clip 80 and a ball near the ends of arms 80b
where the ball and arms 80b first engage P.sub.max. Clip 80 is then
configured to have gradually decreasing interference between clip
80 and a ball moving from the ends of clips arms 80a down toward
the clip center, at which point the interference reaches a minimum
P.sub.min. This configuration for clip 80 will again alter the
relationship between the torque in three axes. Each of the various
configurations of clip 80 in FIGS. 6-9 can be used in any of the
embodiments herein described to achieve the desired torque profile
for a given application.
[0057] FIGS. 10a-10c illustrates side, perspective and end views of
multi-axis clip hinge 100 in accordance with one embodiment.
Multi-axis clip hinge 100 is configured to provide consistent
reliable torque performance in all three axes of rotation, as
described above with respect to multi-axis clip hinges 20 and 50.
Multi-axis clip hinge 100 includes pivotable ball 102 and housing
104. In FIG. 10a, housing 104 is ghosted to reveal components
therein. Pivotable ball 102 includes ball 102a and input rod 102b.
Furthermore, multi-axis clip hinge 100 includes first, second and
third clips 106, 108 and 110. When assembled within housing 104,
first, second and third clips 106, 108 and 110 and pivotable ball
102 are secured and substantially contained.
[0058] Multi-axis clip hinge 100 is configured similarly to
multi-axis clip hinges 20 and 50 above, but further includes three
clips. In one embodiment, each of clips 106, 108 and 110 are
respectively seated within a slot formed within housing 104. Slot
112 in housing 104 is illustrated in FIG. 10b holding third clip
110. As illustrated, slot 112 conforms to third clip 110 such that
it provides a complementary shape for clip feet 110a. In this way,
there can be no relative movement of housing 104 third clip 110 (or
the other two clips by virtue of their being seated in analogous
slots). As further illustrated, slot 112 accommodates clips arms
110b without interference so that clip arms 110b may flex radially
as they are engaged in interference with ball 102a. Housing 104 has
similar slots configured to receive first and second clips 106 and
108 in the same way.
[0059] As such, when multi-axis clip hinge 100 is assembled,
housing 104 secures first, second and third clips 106, 108 and 110
such that forces applied to input rod 102b will not move first,
second and third clips 106, 108 and 110 relative to housing 104.
Furthermore, when multi-axis clip hinge 100 is assembled, ball 102a
is firmly held by interference contact with the arms of clips 106,
108 and 110. Again, each of first, second and third clips 106, 108
and 110 have an inside diameter at a relaxed state that is smaller
than the greatest outside diameter of ball 102a, thereby creating
the interference contact when the clips are forced over the ball.
This allows rotation of input rod 102b in the three axes of
rotation, but prevents translational movement of ball 102a relative
to clips 106, 108 and 110.
[0060] Furthermore, FIGS. 10a-10c illustrate that first, second and
third clips 106, 108 and 110 are not all oriented in the same
angular position relative to each other. As shown, first and third
clips 106 and 110 are oriented with the same angular position, and
second clip 108 is offset by 120 degrees. This configuration will
result in yet another unique configuration of torque in three
axis.
[0061] In multi-axis clip hinge 100, only second clip 108 is at
maximum interference with the ball 102a. Second clip 108 is
centered on the greatest diameter of ball 102a, while first and
third clips 106 and 110 are positioned on a slightly lesser
diameter of the ball on either side, thereby giving--for a common
clip configuration--less interference and less torque. This also
provides the possibility of configuring clips that are not centered
on the ball to give more equivalent torque by making them stiffer.
As such, using multiple clips oriented differently with respect to
one another is another way to alter the magnitude of torque in the
three axes.
[0062] Furthermore, alternative embodiments such as those that
combine one or more features from multi-axis clip hinges 20, 50 and
100 as described previously, are possible. Also, other housing
combinations are possible. For example, portions of multi-axis clip
hinges 20 and 50 illustrated respectively in FIGS. 3 and 5b can be
overmolded with a plastic housing such that the clips and housing
can be fixed together preventing relative translational movement of
the clips and ball, but still affording relative rotational
movement in the three axes of rotation.
[0063] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and
described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill
in the art that a variety of alternate and/or equivalent
implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments
shown and described without departing from the scope of the present
invention. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or
variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein. Therefore,
it is intended that this invention be limited only by the claims
and the equivalents thereof.
* * * * *